The National Council on Teacher Quality, an outside group unaffiliated with those who accredit state teacher training programs, gave Kansas a D+ grade and Missouri a straight D.

These teacher training programs provide about two-thirds of all the teachers for the two states.

The report criticizes both states for the way it trains teachers to teach read and math. It also says student teachers don't get as much training as they need.

People in Kansas blasted the report. The head of the teaching program at the University of Kansas said if the report had been produced by a student, it would get a failing grade because it lacks impact data to back up the claims.

The highly regarded teaching program at Emporia State University received two stars in the report.

Gene Neely, the NEA representative for the Olathe Public Schools, which uses student teachers from Emporia State, said it's wrong to make a blanket statement that student teachers aren't ready.

"They're right there on the front line, learning first-hand and incorporating what they're getting in their own class work as well," said Neely.

Central Missouri State University, which has an extensive teaching program, only got one star overall. The University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Avila University, Park University and Rockhurst University all got no stars.

Neely, a longtime classroom veteran, said he thinks there needs to be more perspective.

"What you have at the end of that teacher preparation program is significantly more important than what you have coming in," he said.

The National Council on Teacher Quality has evaluated teaching standards in the past, but this is its first look at the teacher training programs that schools and colleges use.

The report may serve as ammunition for critics who contend states aren't getting their money's worth for the millions they spend on education.

Chris Colabello hit a two-run home run, R.A. Dickey threw seven shutout innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 in testy matchup Sunday, taking three of four from the AL's top team.